Thanks for the feedback.

CPO sounds good from what I've read. Best bet seems like a 2004 with certification so it'll be warrantied until ~2010. Dyno #'s are similar on 04/05 and I'm accustomed to an early 90's domestic interior, so it will be an upgrade regardless.

Are all pre-owned Infinitis sold from an Infiniti dealership certified? Do they sell vehicles that don't meet the criteria as well? I'm not seeing any vehicles showing certification as I browse through some local Infiniti dealer sites. I mainly want to see what they're asking.

 

Where are you located? Here in the DC area, we have many different Infiniti dealerships which have Certified cars, but they usually include a larger sticker price. If you were planning on keeping the car for at least 3 years and plan to run it up to the 100k mile mark, it may be worth it. My 2004 even had about a year left on the original warranty, which was great. Infiniti also does the first major brake job under warranty (2004's were the only year, I believe, because of all the complaints with the myriad brake issues with 2003 cars), something I had done under warranty right after I purchased the car.

I also struggled trying to decide between a 2004 vs. 2005, but finally realized I preferred a loaded 2004 G35x to a base 2005 G35 in the low 20's price range. The nicer interior and 20 extra HP were not enough to convince me to get a base 2005, plus a fully optioned 2005 was upper 20's. Here in DC given the snow we have been having, it's nice to have the extra traction of the G35x.

I love the car and am thrilled with the performance and it's all around capability. It's clearly the "Swiss Army" knife of sedans ... good luck with your decision.

 

Infiniti will only do the first major brake job if it happens within 3 years, 36K miles. I'm past the 3 year time frame and the brakes don't need to be done yet.

 

I'm actually considering the same car and had a few quick/general questions. I wanted an AWD x but I think at my price point I'll have to settle for the RWD. I've driven a Mustang GT 100,000 miles in the last 5 years in all conditions so I understand the general setbacks of RWD, but in general-

1- Is the RWD with traction control and the not so low profile tires OK in the snow. For example, when you've got 4-6 inches of snow will it at least move reasonably well?

2- On the brake issue - are they pretty easy to change out rotors and pads to aftermarket? I've done it several times but only on American cars.

Anything else I should look for? I'm looking at an 04 G35 sedan with 36,000 miles and about 9 months left in warranty. Looks like I can get it for 20,500.

 

I guess I found my answer. It got stuck in the parking place it was in. I'm guessing the tires had something to do with it, but I've messed with snow tires in years past and don't like the hassle so I think I have to justify the extra couple thousand to get the X.

Still wondering on the brake replacement - how easy to do on your own?

 

The brakes are no harder to change than on any other american car. The rotors are hats so in the front, you don't need to worry about wheel bearings.